Water for De Kalb

The city has a decision to make about the source of water supply for the future. One option means that water rates will rise 69.4% over the next few years. A second option may allow the city to have an independent water source at reasonable cost. We must make a carefully considered decision that will provide water for the future of our children without forcing citizens on a low or fixed income to choose between food and medicine or paying their water bill. Below are some questions and answers that provide some information about this issue.

Who is Riverbend?

The Riverbend Water Resources District (RWRD or “Riverbend”) has been working to develop a plan for the area's water infrastructure and development with counties and cities in the Northeast Texas Region. To participate with the RWRD, the city would enter into an agreement that allows the RWRD to represent the city’s interest in assuring adequate water supply and wastewater treatment. You can learn more about the RWRD on their website: https://rwrd.org.

What happens if De Kalb commits to the RWRD?

The water rates in De Kalb will rise from $3.60/1000 gallons to $5.10/1000 gallons immediately. Another rate increase scheduled within 1 to 3 years will raise water rates again from $5.10 to $6.10.

What are the alternatives to joining the RWRD?

De Kalb is located over the Nacatoch Aquifer, which has the potential to provide an independent water source for generations to come.

Where will the funds needed to drill the wells come from?

Loans from the USDA are available for the costs of the wells. The money can be paid back over 40 years, with a possible 50% forgiveness of the loan amount.

What if the funds to support drilling the wells cannot be acquired or the wells cannot provide an adequate supply?

We will continue to purchase water from the Texarkana Water Utility. When the RWRD is online, we can purchase water from them.

When will RWRD provide water to De Kalb?

Many steps must be taken before the RWRD is ready to supply water to the member cities. It could be seven years or more before the RWRD supplies water to De Kalb. Until then, De Kalb would continue to have water supplied by the Texarkana Water Utility with the RWRD higher rates.

What happens if De Kalb does not commit to the RWRD?

We will continue to purchase water from the Texarkana Water Utility. If the RWRD is operational, we can purchase water from them.

Will De Kalb be short of water if we do not join the RWRD?

No. De Kalb has a contract with the Texarkana Water Utility to supply water to the city, regardless of the De Kalb’s participation in the RWRD.

What is the urgency for this decision?

The city council must vote to raise water rates by July 2019.

While the Mayor stated his support to put the interests of the RWRD and its member cities first, I believe that it is in the best interest of the citizens of De Kalb to seriously consider developing our own water resources. I believe that this can be done without adding a significant financial burden on our citizens.